Hemostatic sponge

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/363,270, filed Jan. 31, 2012, entitled “Clay-Based Hemostatic Agents and Devices for the Delivery Thereof,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/581,782, filed Oct. 19, 2009, entitled “Clay-Based Hemostatic Agents and Devices for the Delivery Thereof,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/715,057, filed Mar. 6, 2007, entitled “Clay-Based Hemostatic Agents and Devices for the Delivery Thereof,” which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/590,427, filed Oct. 30, 2006, entitled “Clay-Based Hemostatic Agents and Devices for the Delivery Thereof,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/808,618, filed May 26, 2006, entitled “Blood Clotting Compound” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/810,447, filed Jun. 1, 2006, entitled “Hemostatic Device with Oxidized Cellulose Pad.” The contents of all of the above-referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The present invention relates generally to agents and devices for promoting hemostasis and, more particularly, to clay-based hemostatic agents and devices incorporating such agents for the delivery thereof to bleeding wounds.

00042. Description of the Related Art

0005Blood is a liquid tissue that includes red cells, white cells, corpuscles, and platelets dispersed in a liquid phase. The liquid phase is plasma, which includes acids, lipids, solublized electrolytes, and proteins. The proteins are suspended in the liquid phase and can be separated out of the liquid phase by any of a variety of methods such as filtration, centrifugation, electrophoresis, and immunochemical techniques. One particular protein suspended in the liquid phase is fibrinogen. When bleeding occurs, the fibrinogen reacts with water and thrombin (an enzyme) to form fibrin, which is insoluble in blood and polymerizes to form clots.

0006In a wide variety of circumstances, animals, including humans, can be wounded. Often bleeding is associated with such wounds. In some circumstances, the wound the bleeding are minor, and normal blood clotting functions in addition to the application of simple first aid are all that is required. Unfortunately, however, in other circumstances substantial bleeding can occur. These situations usually require specialized equipment and materials as well as personnel trained to administer appropriate aid. If such aid is not readily available, excessive blood loss can occur. When bleeding is severe, sometimes the immediate availability of equipment and trained personnel is still insufficient to stanch the flow of blood in a timely manner.

0007Moreover, severe wounds can often be inflicted in remote areas or in situations, such as on a battlefield, where adequate medical assistance is not immediately available. In these instances, it is important to stop bleeding, even in less severe wounds, long enough to allow the injured person or animal to receive medical attention.

0008In an effort to address the above-described problems, materials have been developed for controlling excessive bleeding in situations where conventional aid is unavailable or less than optimally effective. Although these materials have been shown to be somewhat successful, they are sometimes not effective enough for traumatic wounds and tend to be expensive. Furthermore, these materials are sometimes ineffective in some situations and can be difficult to apply as well as remove from a wound.

0009Additionally, or alternatively, the previously developed materials can produce undesirable side effects. For example, one type of prior art blood clotting material is generally a powder or a fine particulate in which the surface area of the material often produces an exothermic reaction upon the application of the material to blood. Oftentimes excess material is unnecessarily poured onto a wound, which can exacerbate the exothermic effects. Depending upon the specific attributes of the material, the resulting exothermia may be sufficient to cause discomfort to or even burn the patient. Although some prior art patents specifically recite the resulting exothermia as being a desirable feature that can provide clotting effects to the wound that are similar to cauterization, there exists the possibility that the tissue at and around the wound site may be undesirably impacted.

0010Furthermore, to remove such materials from wounds, irrigation of the wound is often required. If an amount of material is administered that causes discomfort or burning, the wound may require immediate flushing. In instances where a wounded person or animal has not yet been transported to a facility capable of providing the needed irrigation, undesirable effects or over-treatment of the wound may result.

0011Bleeding can also be a problem during surgical procedures. Apart from suturing or stapling an incision or internally bleeding area, bleeding is often controlled using a sponge or other material used to exert pressure against the bleed site and/or absorb the blood. However, when the bleeding becomes excessive, these measures may not be sufficient to stop the blood flow. Moreover, any highly exothermic bleed-control material may damage the tissue surrounding the bleed site and may not be configured for easy removal after use.

0012Based on the foregoing, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a hemostatic agent that overcomes or improves upon the drawbacks associated with the prior art. It is also a general object of the present invention to provide devices capable of applying such hemostatic agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0013According to one aspect, the present invention resides in a device for promoting the clotting of blood, thereby controlling bleeding. The device comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh having openings therein such that when the device is applied to a bleed site, the particles of clay come into contact with blood through the openings.

0014According to another aspect, the present invention resides in another device capable of providing a hemostatic effect on a bleeding wound to control blood flow from the wound. The device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Upon the application of the device to the bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with the blood to cause the hemostatic effect.

0015According to another aspect, the present invention resides in a bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood, thereby controlling bleeding. The bandage comprises a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. The mesh is defined by a plurality of members arranged to define openings that allow for the flow of blood into the mesh and into the clay material, thereby producing a clotting effect.

0016According to another aspect, the present invention resides in a hemostatic sponge that can be applied to a bleeding wound to clot blood and control bleeding. Such a sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate to inhibit the adherence of the sponge to the wound tissue after clot formation. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.

0017According to yet another aspect, the present invention resides in other forms of hemostatic sponges. In such forms the hemostatic sponge may comprise a film and a hemostatic material incorporated into the film; a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on the substrate, and a film disposed over the hemostatic material; or a hemostatic material sandwiched between two substrates.

0018According to yet another aspect, the present invention resides in a hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood, thereby controlling bleeding. The device has a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting.

0019According to yet another aspect, the present invention resides in a bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood, thereby controlling bleeding. The bandage has a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. When the bandage is used to treat a bleeding wound, applying the bandage to the wound causes at least a portion of the clay material to come into contact with blood emanating from the wound.

0020According to still another aspect, the present invention resides in hemostatic sponges. One type of sponge has a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate. When this sponge is used to treat a bleeding wound, applying the sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood. Another type of sponge has first and second substrates. A hemostatic material is dispersed in the polyol and applied to the first substrate, and the second substrate is placed on the hemostatic material dispersed in the polyol. When this sponge is used to treat a bleeding wound, applying the sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through at least one of the substrates.

0021An advantage of the present invention is that unlike other materials, such as, for example zeolites, the clay component produces no exothermic reaction with blood. Eliminating the generation of heat at a wound site is useful in minimizing discomfort and/or further injury to a patient and may be especially useful in the treatment of certain patients such as pediatric or geriatric patients or when the wound being treated is in a particularly sensitive or delicate area.

0022Another advantage is that the clay can be finely divided and deposited on a multitude of surfaces, thereby facilitating its use as a component in a variety of blood control devices. In particular, the clay can be used in particle form (e.g., retained in a mesh or in a film), or it can be used in powder form (e.g., deposited on a fibrous substrate to form a gauze or a sponge). In any embodiment, the efficacy of the clay in promoting hemostasis at a wound site is improved over similar agents that can be used only in one form (e.g., as particles of a particular size) to limit undesirable side effects such as excessive exothermic reactions.

0023Still another advantage of the present invention is that the devices and agents of the present invention are easily applied to open wounds. Particularly when the hemostatic agent is retained in a mesh or similar device, or when it is incorporated into a woven structure to form a gauze, the device can be readily removed from a sterilized packaging and placed or held directly at the points from which blood emanates to cause clotting.

0024One advantage of the use of a polyol such as glycerol in conjunction with clay (or any other hemostatic agent) is that dust oftentimes associated with the clay (or other hemostatic agent) is suppressed. Because of its low volatility, glycerol, for example, does not readily evaporate. Because it does not readily evaporate, the generation of clay dust when the clay is dispersed in the glycerol is mitigated. Mitigating or suppressing the dust means that more hemostatic material is available for blood clotting purposes.

0025Another advantage of the use of a polyol in conjunction with clay (or other hemostatic agent) is that the undesirable adhesion of the sponge to the wound is reduced. Accordingly, the sponge or other device can be easily removed from a wound without breaking a newly formed blood clot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic representation of a mesh structure of a blood clotting device of the present invention.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a side view of the blood clotting device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrating the retaining of clay particles in the mesh structure.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of a blood clotting device that incorporates a clay material into a gauze.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of a blood clotting device that incorporates a clay material into a cloth.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a perspective view of a bandage incorporating the clay particles in a mesh container for application to a bleeding wound.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref> is a perspective view of a bandage incorporating the hemostatic material and a polyol into a gauze substrate for application to a bleeding wound.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a schematic representation of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a sponge having hemostatic capabilities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

0036Disclosed herein are hemostatic devices and hemostatic agents that are applicable to bleeding wounds to promote hemostasis. The hemostatic agents generally include clay materials or other silica-based materials that, when brought into contact with a bleeding wound, can minimize or stop blood flow by absorbing at least portions of the liquid phases of the blood, thereby facilitating clotting. The present invention is not limited to clay, however, as other materials such as bioactive glasses, biological hemostats, molecular sieve materials, diatomaceous earth, combinations of the foregoing, and the like are within the scope of the present invention and can be used in conjunction with the clay or separately as a hemostatic agent.

0037As used herein, the term “clay” refers to a crystalline form of hydrated aluminum silicate. The crystals of clay are irregularly shaped and insoluble in water. The combination of some types of clay with water may produce a mass having some degree of plasticity. Depending upon the type of clay, the combination thereof with water may produce a colloidal gel having thixotropic properties.

0038In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clay material is kaolin, which includes the mineral “kaolinite.” Although the term “kaolin” is used hereinafter to describe the present invention, it should be understood that kaolinite may also be used in conjunction with or in place of kaolin. The present invention is also not limited with regard to kaolin or kaolinite, however, as other materials are within the scope of the present invention. Such materials include, but are not limited to, attapulgite, bentonite, combinations of the foregoing, combinations of the foregoing with kaolin and/or diatomaceous earth, and the like.

0039As used herein, the term “kaolin” refers to a soft, earthy aluminosilicate clay (and, more specifically, to a dioctahedral phyllosilicate clay) having the chemical formula Al.sub.2Si.sub.2O.sub.5(OH).sub.4. Kaolin is a naturally occurring layered silicate mineral having alternating tetrahedral sheets and octahedral sheets of alumina octahedra linked via the oxygen atoms of hydroxyl groups. Kaolin comprises about 50% alumina, about 50% silica, and trace impurities.

0040More preferably, the clay is Edgar's plastic kaolin (hereinafter “EPK”), which is a water-washed kaolin clay that is mined and processed in and near Edgar, Fla. Edgar's plastic kaolin has desirable plasticity characteristics, is castable, and when mixed with water produces a thixotropic slurry.

0041The kaolin material of the present invention may be mixed with or otherwise used in conjunction with other materials to provide additional clotting functions and/or improved efficacy. Such materials include, but are not limited to, magnesium sulfate, sodium metaphosphate, calcium chloride, dextrin, combinations of the foregoing materials, and hydrates of the foregoing materials.

0042Various materials may be mixed with, associated with, or incorporated into the kaolin to maintain an antiseptic environment at the wound site or to provide functions that are supplemental to the clotting functions of the clay. Exemplary materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutically-active compositions such as antibiotics, antifungal agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, antihistamines (e.g., cimetidine, chloropheniramine maleate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and promethazine hydrochloride), compounds containing silver or copper ions, combinations of the foregoing, and the like. Other materials that can be incorporated to provide additional hemostatic functions include ascorbic acid, tranexamic acid, rutin, and thrombin. Botanical agents having desirable effects on the wound site may also be added.

0043For use in the present invention, the kaolin (or other clay material or diatomaceous earth) is preferably in particle form. As used herein, “particles” include beads, pellets, granules, rods, or any other surface morphology or combination of surface morphologies. Irrespective of the surface morphology, the particles are about 0.2 mm (millimeters) to about 10 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, and more preferably about 1 mm to about 2 mm in effective diameter. The present invention is not limited in this regard, however, and other particle sizes (e.g., less than about 0.2 mm) are also within the scope of the present invention. The particle size of the kaolin (or other clay material or diatomaceous earth) may be so small so as to be considered powder. If the particle size is considered to be powder, the powder may be impalpable (i.e., tactilely undetectable).

0044The clay particles can be produced by any of several various methods. Such methods include mixing, extrusion, spheronizing, and the like. Equipment that can be utilized for the mixing, extruding, or spheronizing of the clay is available from Caleva Process Solutions Ltd. in Dorset, United Kingdom. Other methods include the use of a fluid bed or a pelletizing apparatus. Fluid beds for the production of clay particles are available from Glatt Air Technologies in Ramsey, N.J. Disk pelletizers for the production of clay particles are available from Feeco International, Inc., in Green Bay, Wis. Preferably, the clay is extruded through a suitable pelletizing device. The present invention is not limited in this regard, however, as other devices and methods for producing particlized clay are within the scope of the present invention.

0045The EPK used in the present invention is particlized, dried, and fired to about 600 degrees C. In order to achieve a suitably homogenous mixture of the EPK to form the particles, a relatively high shear is applied to a mass of the EPK using a suitable mixing apparatus. Prior to shearing, the water content of the clay is measured and adjusted to be about 20% by weight to give a sufficiently workable mixture for extrusion and subsequent handling.

0046During the firing of the EPK to about 600 degrees C., the material is vitrified. Vitrification is effected via repeated melting and cooling cycles to allow the EPK (or other clay material) to be converted into a glassy substance. With increasing numbers of cycles, the crystalline structure is broken down to result in an amorphous composition. The amorphous nature of the EPK allows it to maintain its structural integrity when subsequently wetted. As a result, the EPK maintains its structural integrity when wetted during use, for example, when applied to blood. The present invention is not limited to the use of vitrified clays, however, as clay material that has not been vitrified is still within the scope of the present invention. In particular, unvitrified clay can still be applied to a bleeding wound to provide hemostasis.

0047It is believed that the cellular clotting mechanism of clay activates certain contact factors when applied to blood. More specifically, it is believed that kaolin (particularly EPK) initiates mechanisms by which water in blood is absorbed to facilitate clotting functions.

0048Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, one embodiment of a hemostatic device into which the kaolin in particle form is incorporated is shown. The device is a permeable pouch that allows liquid to enter to contact the kaolin particles retained therein. Sealed packaging (not shown) provides a sterile environment for storing the hemostatic device until it can be used. The device, which is shown generally at <b>10</b> and is hereinafter referred to as “pouch <b>10</b>,” comprises a screen or mesh <b>12</b> and the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> retained therein by the screen or mesh. The mesh <b>12</b> is closed on all sides and defines openings that are capable of retaining the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> therein while allowing liquid to flow through. As illustrated, the mesh <b>12</b> is shown as being flattened out, and, by way of example, only a few particles of particlized kaolin <b>14</b> are shown. The particlized kaolin <b>14</b> may be blended with particles of other types of clay, diatomaceous earth, and the like to form a homogenous mixture.

0049The mesh <b>12</b> is defined by interconnected strands, filaments, or strips of material. The strands, filaments, or strips can be interconnected in any one or a combination of manners including, but not limited to, being woven into a gauze, intertwined, integrally-formed, and the like. Preferably, the interconnection is such that the mesh can flex while substantially maintaining the dimensions of the openings defined thereby. The material from which the strands, filaments or strips are fabricated may be a polymer (e.g., nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or the like), metal, fiberglass, or an organic substance (e.g., cotton, wool, silk, or the like).

0050Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the openings defined by the mesh <b>12</b> are sized to retain the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> but permit the flow of blood therethrough. Because the mesh <b>12</b> may be pulled tight around the particlized kaolin <b>14</b>, the particles may extend through the openings by a distance d. If the particles extend through the openings, they will directly contact tissue against which the pouch <b>10</b> is applied. Thus, blood emanating from the tissue immediately contacts the particlized kaolin <b>14</b>, and the water phase thereof is wicked into the kaolin, thereby facilitating the clotting of the blood. However, it is not a requirement of the present invention that the particles protrude through the mesh.

0051To apply the pouch <b>10</b> to a bleeding wound, the pouch is removed from the packaging and placed on the bleeding wound. The particlized kaolin <b>14</b> in the mesh <b>12</b> contacts the tissue of the wound and/or the blood emanating from the wound, and at least a portion of the liquid phase of the blood is adsorbed by the clay material, thereby promoting clotting. The flexibility of the mesh <b>12</b> allows the mesh to conform to the shape of the bleeding wound and to retain that shape upon application.

0052Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, another embodiment of a hemostatic device of the present invention is a kaolin gauze, which is shown generally at <b>20</b> and is hereinafter referred to as “gauze <b>20</b>.” Kaolin is coated onto a gauze substrate using any suitable method to result in the gauze <b>20</b>. One exemplary method of coating kaolin onto the gauze substrate is to immerse the substrate in a kaolin/water slurry. The kaolin material used for the slurry is preferably finely ground kaolin powder, although the present invention is not limited in this regard as kaolin particles, flakes, chips, beads, rods, granules, or the like may alternatively or additionally be used. The gauze substrate may be any suitable woven or non-woven fibrous material including, but not limited to, cotton, silk, wool, plastic, cellulose, rayon, polyester, combinations of the foregoing, and the like. The present invention is not limited to woven or non-woven fibrous materials as the gauze substrates, however, as felts and the like are also within the scope of the present invention.

0053The gauze <b>20</b> of the present invention is not limited to kaolin, however, as other clays such as attapulgite, bentonite, and combinations thereof may be used in place of or in addition to the kaolin. Furthermore, other silica-based materials such as bioactive glasses, diatomaceous earth, combinations of the foregoing, and the like may also be utilized in addition to or in place of any of the foregoing clay materials.

0054Once the kaolin is dried onto the gauze substrate to form the gauze <b>20</b>, the gauze is sufficiently flexible to allow the gauze to be folded, rolled, or otherwise manipulated for packaging.

0055The flexibility of the substrate of the gauze <b>20</b> allows the gauze to form to a shape of the bleeding wound and to retain the shape of the bleeding wound upon application.

0056One manner of depositing the kaolin (or other clay) coating on the gauze substrate includes heating the kaolin/water slurry. Preferably, the slurry is heated to boiling because higher temperatures tend to facilitate the adhesion of the kaolin to the substrate. The present invention is not limited in this regard, however, as the slurry may be heated to a lower temperature depending on the desired characteristics of the kaolin coating. Boiling the slurry also provides an effective form of agitation that uniformly disperses the kaolin in the liquid phase.

0057The substrate is then immersed in the boiling slurry for an amount of time sufficient to cause the kaolin to deposit onto the substrate. Given the rheology of wetted kaolin and the material from which the gauze or substrate is fabricated, the kaolin may adhere as a film directly to the surfaces of the substrate, or it may agglomerate in the interstices of the strands as well as along the strands themselves, thereby being trapped in the fiber matrix.

0058Another manner of depositing the kaolin coating on the substrate includes applying the kaolin in slurry form on one side of the gauze substrate using a spraying technique, a slot die technique, or a combination thereof. In using any technique, the amount of slurry applied to the gauze substrate is limited to avoid or at least minimize the saturation of the substrate. Preferably, a colloidal form of the kaolin (or other clay) is used to provide a stable suspension of the material with suitable viscosity for application using the slot die technique.

0059Once sprayed or applied using the slot die technique, the coated gauze substrate is then rolled or scraped to further embed the kaolin into the material of the substrate. The gauze substrate is then dried.

0060In some embodiments, the kaolin may be attached to the gauze substrate using a binder. In embodiments in which a binder is used, the material of the binder is compatible with biological tissue. Preferred binders include polyols, chitosan, and polyvinyl alcohol, all of which have adhesive qualities and are compatible with biological tissue. At least chitosan exhibits hemostatic properties.

0061One exemplary method for the production of this device may comprise the steps of unwinding gauze from a roll, immersing the gauze in a slurry of hemostatic material and water, applying pressure to the gauze by rolling the wet gauze under high pressure to incorporate the hemostatic material into the material of the gauze, drying the rolled, wet gauze, and removing dust from the gauze (e.g., via blasting with air knives or air nozzles, through the use of electrostatic energy, vacuuming, or brushing with direct contact brushes). Following the removal of dust from the gauze, the gauze back may be wound back onto a roll, or it may be cut into sheets for individual packaging.

0062One or more variables may be manipulated to optimize the amount and integrity of the kaolin retained on the gauze. These variables include, but are not limited to, slurry temperature, immersion time, the slurry agitation method, and the type of liquid (of the slurry). The elevation of the slurry temperature, as indicated above, aids in the retention of the kaolin on the gauze. The agitation may be effected by forcing air or other gas through nozzles, stiffing, bubbling, boiling, or ultrasonic vibration.

0063The liquid used for the slurry may also be something other than water. For example, the liquid may be an aqueous ammonia solution. Aqueous ammonia has been found to induce swelling in certain fibrous materials, such as the materials typically utilized to fabricate gauze.

0064In embodiments in which a polyol is used in the gauze <b>20</b>, the polyol may be glycerol (also known as glycerin, glycerine, glyceritol, glycyl alcohol, and by its chemical name propane-1,2,3-triol). Glycerol is a lubricious, hygroscopic, water-soluble liquid that is compatible with biological tissue. The kaolin is dispersed in the glycerol to form a dispersion or otherwise mixed with the glycerol and is deposited onto the gauze substrate using any suitable method. Suitable methods for depositing the kaolin/glycerol dispersion onto the gauze substrate include, but are not limited to, spraying the dispersion, soaking the gauze substrate in the dispersion, application via slot die techniques, physical means such as brushing or rolling the dispersion onto the gauze, and the like.

0065The present invention is not limited to the use of glycerol, however, as other glycerol-based compounds including glycerol alcohols (e.g. propylene glycols), glycerol-based esterified fatty acids (e.g., glyceryl triacetates), and other materials having humectant properties and the like (as well as combinations of the foregoing) are within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, other polyols such as sorbitol, xylitol, maltol, combinations of the foregoing, and the like as well as polymeric polyols (e.g., polydextrose) are also within the scope of the present invention.

0066Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, another embodiment of a hemostatic device of the present invention is a cloth having hemostatic properties, shown generally at <b>20</b>, and which is hereinafter referred to as “cloth <b>30</b>.” The cloth <b>30</b> is a fabric which may be defined by woven or unwoven strands or a felt or the like into which a biological hemostatic material is infused or impregnated. Hemostatic materials that may be infused or impregnated into the fabric of cloth <b>30</b> include, but are not limited to, clays (such as kaolin) in the form of particles <b>32</b>, other silica-based material (such as diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof, or the like), chitosan, combinations of the foregoing, and the like. In embodiments in which such materials are infused or impregnated into a cloth, the material is preferably incorporated into the cloth in a hydrated state and subsequently dried.

0067In either gauze or cloth embodiments, the gauze or cloth material may be cross-linked with a polysaccharide or similar material.

0068Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, another embodiment of the present invention is a bandage, shown at <b>50</b>, which comprises particlized kaolin <b>14</b> (or some other clay material or diatomaceous earth) retained in the mesh <b>12</b> and mounted to a flexible substrate <b>52</b> that can be applied to a wound (for example, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive to adhere the bandage <b>50</b> to the skin of a wearer). The mesh <b>12</b> is stitched, glued, or otherwise mounted to a substrate <b>52</b> to form the bandage <b>50</b>.

0069The substrate <b>52</b> is a plastic or a cloth member that is conducive to being retained on the skin of an injured person or animal on or proximate a bleeding wound. An adhesive <b>54</b> is disposed on a surface of the substrate <b>52</b> that engages the skin of the injured person or animal. Particularly if the substrate <b>52</b> is a non-breathable plastic material, the substrate may include holes <b>56</b> to allow for the dissipation of moisture evaporating from the skin surface.

0070Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>, another embodiment of the bandage is shown at <b>150</b>. The bandage <b>150</b> comprises particlized kaolin (or some other clay material or diatomaceous earth capable of imparting a hemostatic function) dispersed in glycerol and applied to a gauze substrate <b>112</b>. The gauze substrate <b>112</b> is mounted to a flexible substrate <b>152</b> that can be applied to a wound (for example, using a pressure-sensitive adhesive <b>154</b> disposed over substantially all of a skin-contacting surface of the flexible substrate <b>152</b> to adhere the bandage <b>150</b> to the skin of a wearer). The gauze substrate <b>112</b> is stitched, glued, or otherwise mounted to the substrate <b>152</b>, which may be a plastic or cloth member that may include holes <b>156</b>. A release agent (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose, or the like) may be disposed over the kaolin/glycerol dispersion on the gauze substrate <b>112</b>.

0071Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, another embodiment of the present invention is a sponge, shown at <b>60</b>, which comprises a substrate <b>62</b>, the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> (or some other clay material or diatomaceous earth) disposed on one face of the substrate <b>62</b>, and a release agent <b>64</b> disposed on an opposing face of the substrate. The sponge <b>60</b> allows for sufficient contact of the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> with blood emanating from a wound and through the release agent <b>64</b> and the substrate <b>62</b> while minimizing the adhesion of the sponge to the wound tissue. The sponge <b>60</b> is also compatible with living tissue.

0072The substrate <b>62</b> is an absorbent gauze material that defines a matrix. The present invention is not so limited, however, as other materials such as rayon/polyester cellulose blends and the like are also within the scope of the present invention. Other materials from which the substrate <b>62</b> may be fabricated include woven fabric, non-woven fabric, paper (e.g., kraft paper and the like), and cellulose material (e.g., cotton in the forms of balls, swabs, and the like). Any material from which the substrate <b>62</b> may be fabricated may have an elastic quality. When elastic materials are used as the substrate <b>62</b>, the sponge <b>60</b> becomes both a hemostatic device and a pressure bandage, particularly in embodiments in which a surface cohesive agent or mechanical fastener is added to secure the sponge in place over a wound.

0073The hemostatic agent used in the sponge <b>60</b> is not limited to particlized kaolin <b>14</b>. Other materials such as attapulgite, bentonite, combinations of the foregoing, or a combination of the foregoing with kaolin may be used. The present invention is also not limited to clays, as other materials such as bioactive glass, biological hemostats, diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof, the combinations thereof with clay are also within the scope of the present invention.

0074The particlized kaolin <b>14</b> may be bound to the substrate <b>62</b> via coulombic forces, by impregnating or otherwise incorporating the clay or other hemostatic material directly into the material of the substrate, by using a binder, by trapping the hemostatic material within the matrix, or the like.

0075When using a binder to bind the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> to the substrate <b>62</b>, the binder material may provide additional functionality to the sponge <b>60</b>. Materials from which the binder may be fabricated include, but are not limited to, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, gelatinized starches, polysaccharides, cellulose, calcium alginate, and the like, as well as combinations of the foregoing.

0076In embodiments in which the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> is incorporated into the substrate <b>62</b> directly, the particlized kaolin may be added during the substrate fabrication. If the substrate is a non-woven gauze material containing rayon and polyester, then the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> may be incorporated into or onto the fibers of rayon and polyester. For example, the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> may be in powder form and applied to molten polyester, and polyester fibers may be drawn from the polyester/hemostatic material melt. If the substrate is a woven gauze (e.g., cotton), the kaolin <b>14</b> in powder form may be incorporated into the cotton threads during formation of the threads.

0077The particlized kaolin <b>14</b> may also be dispersed in glycerol and applied to the substrate <b>62</b> via a spray technique, a slot die technique, soaking, brushing, rolling, or the like.

0078The release agent <b>64</b> is a material that is disposed on the wound-contacting side of the substrate <b>62</b> to facilitate the easy removal of the sponge <b>60</b> from the wound tissue after the formation of blood clots. The release agent <b>64</b> may be a continuous film, or it may be discontinuous on the surface of the substrate. One material that may be used as a release agent is polyvinyl alcohol, which is a biocompatible material that may be formed as a thin film and that does not significantly affect the absorbency and liquid permeability of the sponge <b>60</b>. Another material that may be used as the release agent <b>64</b> is glycerol, which may be applied in addition to particlized kaolin <b>14</b> dispersed in glycerol. When applied as the release agent <b>64</b>, the glycerol forms a film over the dispersion of the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> in glycerol. Other materials that may be utilized as release agents include, but are not limited to, carboxymethyl cellulose. In any configuration of the sponge <b>60</b>, the release agent <b>64</b> may be applied directly to the wound-contacting surface of the substrate <b>62</b>.

0079In the alternative, the release agent <b>64</b> may be applied to the non-wound contacting surface of the substrate <b>62</b> as a slurry of clay and release agent. In such an embodiment, the concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol or glycerol is such that at least some of the alcohol component thereof seeps to the wound-contacting surface of the substrate <b>62</b>, while the clay material remains on or near the non-wound contacting surface. In any embodiment, the polyvinyl alcohol or the glycerol serves not only as a release agent, but as an agent that suppresses the dust of the particlized kaolin <b>14</b>.

0080Other materials that may be used as release agents that are within the scope of the present invention include, but are not limited to, silicone and gelatinized starches. As with polyvinyl alcohol and glycerol, either may be applied in film form.

0081The sponge <b>60</b> may further include a component that imparts a radiopaque characteristic to the sponge. In such an embodiment, barium sulfate may be incorporated into a slurry that includes the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> and applied to the substrate <b>62</b>.

0082The sponge <b>60</b> may further include water or alcohol, thereby allowing the sponge to be used as a wipe.

0083Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, another embodiment of a sponge is shown generally at <b>160</b>. The sponge <b>160</b> comprises a film <b>162</b> into which particlized kaolin <b>14</b> is dispersed. The physical integrity of the sponge <b>160</b> is maintained by the film <b>162</b>. Preferably, the material from which the film <b>162</b> is fabricated is polyvinyl alcohol. In fabricating the sponge <b>160</b>, the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> is dispersed into polyvinyl alcohol, which is then formed into a sheet. The sponge <b>160</b> is especially useful when incorporated into a bandage.

0084Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, another embodiment of a sponge is shown generally at <b>260</b>. The sponge <b>260</b> comprises a substrate <b>262</b>, particlized kaolin <b>14</b> disposed on the substrate, and a film <b>266</b> disposed over the hemostatic material. The particlized kaolin <b>14</b> is unbound (without a binder) blood coagulating agent and is preferably disposed on the substrate <b>262</b> in strips to facilitate the folding of the sponge <b>260</b>. The film <b>266</b> is polyvinyl alcohol, glycerol, or the like and is applied to both contain the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> and to minimize the generation of dust. Upon application to a bleeding wound, blood from the wound is wicked into the substrate <b>262</b> and contacts the particlized kaolin <b>14</b>.

0085Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, another embodiment of a sponge is shown generally at <b>360</b>. The sponge <b>360</b> comprises particlized kaolin <b>14</b> sandwiched between two substrates <b>362</b>. The substrates <b>362</b> can be bound together in any suitable manner such as heat sealing through areas selectively absent of particlized kaolin <b>14</b>, using an adhesive or binder in select areas, applying a containment film of material (such as polyvinyl alcohol) over the entire sponge <b>360</b>, or a combination of any of the foregoing. The particlized kaolin <b>14</b> can also be used in conjunction with glycerol, e.g., by being dispersed in glycerol and applied to the sponge <b>360</b>.

0086The sponge <b>60</b> (as well as the sponges shown at <b>160</b>, <b>260</b>, and <b>360</b>) may be folded and used in various manners. The sponge <b>60</b> may be folded such that the surfaces on which the particlized kaolin <b>14</b> is disposed are on the inside surfaces of the folded sponge, so as to minimize problems of dusting and detachment of the hemostatic material from the substrate <b>62</b>. The sponge <b>60</b> (and the sponges <b>160</b>, <b>260</b>, and <b>360</b>) can also be folded into a pleated form or into a configuration to produce a number of distinct plies attached along the edges. By configuring the sponge <b>60</b> in such a manner, the compliancy and absorbency requirements of different applications can be addressed. The sponge <b>60</b> can also be cut or formed into elongated strips for wrapping over the wounds of an injured person or animal or for incorporation into cylinders or swabs. The sponge <b>60</b> can also be cut, ripped, ground, or otherwise formed into small pieces for applications such as stuffing into mesh containers.

Example 1

The Effect of Slurry Temperature on the Ability of Cotton Gauze to Retain Kaolin Clay

0087Temperatures of kaolin/water slurries were varied to assess the ability of cotton gauze to retain kaolin clay. Slurries of water and EPK were prepared in which the kaolin was 40% of the total weight of the slurry. Three sponges were made (one from each piece of gauze) by immersing the cotton gauzes into the slurries of varying temperatures, rolling the wet sponges under pressure, and drying. The Table below indicates the parameters for each slurry and the results obtained.

0088<tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="00001"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="6"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="5" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="6" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="6" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry /><entry>Slurry</entry><entry /><entry>Starting</entry><entry>Gauze</entry><entry /></row><row><entry /><entry>Temp.</entry><entry /><entry>gauze</entry><entry>weight</entry></row><row><entry /><entry>(degrees</entry><entry>Agitation</entry><entry>weight</entry><entry>after</entry><entry>% kaolin</entry></row><row><entry>Sample</entry><entry>C.)</entry><entry>method</entry><entry>(grams)</entry><entry>(grams)</entry><entry>(wt. %)</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="6" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry /></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="6"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="35pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="35pt" align="left" /><colspec colname="4" colwidth="35pt" align="center" /><colspec colname="5" colwidth="35pt" align="char" char="." /><colspec colname="6" colwidth="42pt" align="center" /><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>1</entry><entry>22</entry><entry>Stir 1</entry><entry>3.139</entry><entry>5.59</entry><entry>44</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>minute</entry></row><row><entry>2</entry><entry>90</entry><entry>Stir 1</entry><entry>3.064</entry><entry>5.868</entry><entry>48</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>minute</entry></row><row><entry>3</entry><entry>100</entry><entry>Boil 1</entry><entry>3.085</entry><entry>6.481</entry><entry>52</entry></row><row><entry /><entry /><entry>minute</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="6" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0089The gauze weight after is the weight of the gauze after rolling and drying. It was noted that the elevated slurry temperature increased the amount of retained kaolin. One theory for this is that the cotton fiber structure of the gauze is loosened and swollen by its immersion in the hot liquid.

Example 2

Application of Dry Kaolin to Dry Cotton Gauze to Form Hemostatic Device

0090Dry kaolin was applied to a dry cotton gauze. The gauze was then rolled. The amount of kaolin retain on the gauze was visibly and significantly less than the amount of kaolin retained on the gauze of Sample 3 (Example 1). This sample, however, accelerated the clot time in sheep whole blood by 70% over the unaccelerated clot time of the blood.

Example 3

Reduction of Kaolin Dust Using Glycerol

0091A slurry of 50 grams (g) of water, 20 g of glycerol, and 15 g of kaolin powder was prepared and used to saturate a gauze sponge (Kendall Curity 2733). The saturated gauze sponge was dried. The sponge was held and tapped with a pencil over a clean glass surface. A visual determination indicated that no readily discernible dust was removed from the sponge as a result of the tapping.

0092A second sponge was prepared without glycerol and dried. The second sponge was held and tapped with a pencil over a clean glass surface. A visual determination indicated that a substantial amount of kaolin dust was removed from the second sponge as a result of the tapping.

0093Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.